Harpenden Town head into the FA Cup having played two league games already - and manager Micky Nathan says that has been a huge benefit.

Defeat at Stanway Rovers sent them tumbling out at the first attempt last season, that coming after a 1-1 draw at Tring Athletic.

This time around Harpenden have played twice in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division, a 0-0 draw at home to Wormley Rovers following a 3-2 win away to Shefford Town & Campton.

And that extra competitive fixture is a blessing for Nathan as he prepares for one of their biggest games of the season, at home to Halstead Town on Saturday.

He said: "We’re used to having one league game or going straight into the FA Cup, now we’ve had two and then the cup. 

"It’s an opportunity Saturday, the FA Cup is kind of a free hit and to have Halstead at home, on our own pitch, in front of our fans, it's going to be a super occasion. 

"Let’s hope we can do the club proud. 

"It's a good thing, we all wanted to start earlier because of the situation last season with games being postponed and I think my players have got a little bit of a rhythm now, a fighting spirit. 

"There’s competition for places, I’ve got a really good squad, big squad players are not here [against Wormley] and will potentially come back in on Saturday.  

"We'll get together on Thursday, have a training session but the FA Cup is something else and we want to have a good couple of rounds in it. 

"It generates money for the club and we can go from there. 

"Let's hope we can."